Reviews, Etc.

REVIEW: The Hunger Heroes: Missed Meal Mayhem by Jarrett Lerner

REVIEW: The Hunger Heroes: Missed Meal Mayhem by Jarrett Lerner

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Edelweiss and Aladdin in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

The Hunger Heroes are taco ingredients with the smarts, the compassion, and the skills to save the day when kids need a snack.

Today, the Heroes – Mr. Toots the bean, Chip Ninja, Tammy the tomato, and Leonard the cheese – receive an alert that Jason missed breakfast. And he has a big math test before lunch. He needs a snack!

Review

Delightful!!

I don’t always have a lot of luck with chapter books. I love middle grade because you can really dig into stories and characters since you have a lot of pages to work with. But chapter books sometimes fall flat for me because I want something “more.”

That is NOT the case here. This is the perfect sort of chapter book for me. The illustrations are so fun to explore. The heroes are a riot! And the story does the work to make sure the adult – one of the roadblocks to Jason getting a snack – is sympathetic and an eventual ally.

This is now at the top of my recommendation list for chapter book readers as well as young middle grade readers. I think graphic novel fans will love this as will kids who love funny books. I hope we’ll be seeing a LOT of adventures for the Hunger Heroes in the future.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥♥½ – I loved it! Would re-read.

 

The release date for this delightful book has been pushed back into November. Pre-order this one; you won’t want to miss it!

REVIEW: All of the Marvels by Douglas Wolk

REVIEW: All of the Marvels by Douglas Wolk

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Penguin Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary and Review

The author read 540,000+ pages of Marvel comics – from 1961’s Fantastic Four #1 to 2017’s Marvel Legacy #1 – to see what the full epic story might say if someone had the tenacity to read it all.

The Marvel collection is not designed to be read that way – something that has always bothered me as a reader. The stories work in such a way that people can drop in almost anywhere and go as deep or as broad into the Marvel universe as they want. Wolk describes his reading experience as, “gorging myself on something made for cherry picking and nibbling,” one of MANY excellent metaphors in the book.

Reading this, I felt seen and understood. From the start, but especially in chapter 2, the author acknowledges the drive to know “where to start” and the desire to take in the whole story in order. And just like in my personal experience, he says that desire is likely to end in frustration. In a format driven by the idea that each issue will be someone’s first, searching for the beginning, and the “whole story” just doesn’t work. But Wolk quickly shows readers how this non-linear reading experience can be better than what I was longing for.

This is the sort of review book I would typically read carefully for a few chapters, and then skim through the rest so I could put together a cogent review. And the author even says his book likely should be read like the Marvel comics universe – dig into the chapters that speak to you. But I couldn’t put this down. While there were a few character explorations that didn’t click for me, much of this was fascinating – from the backstories of characters to the revolving door of writers and artists, and the impacts they had on stories, characters, and Marvel as a whole. The writing is fantastic, and the subject matter is captivating. I immediately ordered a print copy for myself and my family. This is an outstanding resource, and when life slows down enough again, I’d like this book to point me to some great comics and stories to enjoy. I think this would be a great addition to high school libraries and classrooms in addition to regular adult collections. Don’t let a Marvel comics fan in your life miss out on this one. Highly recommend!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

Book Shopping Suggestions: The 2021 Holiday Hint List Is Here - Early!

Book Shopping Suggestions: The 2021 Holiday Hint List Is Here – Early!

Posted on by Jaymie

The world is abuzz with news of slowing supply chains, delayed shipments, and warnings to order your holiday gifts early. In light of that, I bring you the 2021 Holiday Hint list a couple weeks earlier than usual. You can look at my past lists here – I try not to repeat suggestions, except maybe in the case of books in a series. So you have LOTS of books to choose from for anyone on your gift giving lists.

Here is this year’s PDF of the Hint List: 2021 Neverending TBR Holiday Shopping Hint List

Also, this year I put together another Padlet so you can see covers while you look at the list. You can take a look at that here.

As always, you can find reviews of a lot of these books here at The Neverending TBR. Happy Holidays!

BOOK NEWS: November 9, 2021

Posted on by Jaymie

Lots of fantastic books releasing this week – here are some of the ones on my radar:

Books for Kids

Who Was Walt Disney? (Board Book) – A board book from the Who Was folks.
Off-Limits – Dad’s office is “off limits.” But who can resist all of those cool, fascinating gadgets and supplies? Certainly not me – this is on my list for this week!!
Stitch by Stitch: Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly Sews Her Way to Freedom – An enslaved seamstress is able to buy her freedom because of the gorgeous gowns she made.
Itty Bitty Princess Kitty: Tea for Two – When Itty starts spending time with some pegasi she meets, her best friend Luna starts to feel left out.
When Pigs Fly (A Batpig Book) (Graphic Novel) – First in a new series. A bite from a radioactive bat gives Gary special powers. This looks so fun!

 

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Amethyst: Princess of Gem World (Graphic Novel) – From Shannon Hale and Dean Hale. When a prank goes wrong, Amethyst is grounded to Earth. She’s only supposed to be there a week, but three years later, Amy has completely forgotten her old life.
Batman, Robin, and Howard (Graphic Novel) – First in a new series from the author of early Jedi Academy series, Jeffrey Brown. When Robin/Damian Wayne makes a mistake on patrol, he is benched from his superhero-ing and sent to a new school where he encounters a new rival. I’ll be reviewing this one soon.
Out of My Heart (Older Middle Grade) – A sequel to the bestselling Out of My Mind. This time, Melody is determined to experience summer camp and all the adventures one has to offer.
What Was the Plague? and Who Was David Bowie?
Margot Mertz Takes It Down – A teen who launched her own business as a digital cleaner to clean up your most embarrassing online gaffs uncovers a revenge porn site featuring girls from her school and vows to take it – and those behind it -down.
Year of the Reaper – A former engineer’s apprentice and a young historian team up to find a royal assassin.
You’ve Reached Sam – A girl missing her dead boyfriend calls his cell to hear his voice again – and he picks up the phone, giving her a second chance to say goodbye.

 

Books for Adults

The After Party (Trade Paperback) – Three women commiserating over their awful boss after a holiday party find themselves facing new challenges when their boss is later murdered.
The Archivist (Hardcover)- An archivist working to finish processing the papers of a writer on the short list for a Nobel finds herself investigating her predecessor who died – a woman who had a torrid affair with the writer. Could her death be more than the accident the police believe it was?
An Eggnog to Die For (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 2 in the Cape Cod Foodie Mystery series. While Sam was hoping for a nice, quiet Christmas, stumbling over the body of the town’s Santa Claus has made that dream a whole lot less likely.
How to Murder a Marriage: The Ex-Whisperer Files (Trade Paperback) – A relationship advice author is trying to make a new life for herself, but instead she is dodging a stalker and looking for a woman who went missing after the author told the woman to leave her husband.
Maggie Dove and the Lost Brides (Trade Paperback) – Book 3 in the Maggie Dove series. While Maggie is hired to find a runaway bride, she instead finds her niece on her doorstep in a wedding gown after being jilted by her own fiancé. But when the runaway bride is found dead, her groom is suspected of murder, and Maggie’s niece has fallen in love with the murder suspect, Maggie still has plenty of sleuthing to do.
Never Fall for Your Fiancée (Trade Paperback) – First in a new Meriwell Sisters series. A woman struggling to get by after her father abandoned her and her sisters can’t afford to pass up the Earl’s offer to pretend to be his fiancée while his mother is visiting. But if they were to actually fall in love, it would complicate things for both of them.
The Return of the Pharaoh (Hardcover) – Dr. Watson’s journal shares the story of a previously unknown Sherlock adventure, where he went searching for a missing Duke in Egypt.
The Undertakers (Trade Paperback) – Book 2 in the Murders & Magic series. Hetty and Benjy are investigating a series of fires around Philadelphia as well as a fire company that seems all too willing to let homes burn if they belong to Black citizens.
Vanishing Edge (Hardcover) – A former FBI agent and a former SEAL, both working with the National Parks, team up to determine what happened to the folks who disappeared from their exclusive campsite full of high-tech gear.
The Wedding Ringer (Trade Paperback) – A woman, down on her luck and settling for playing a princess at birthday parties agrees to be a bridesmaid for hire as a means to an end. But the gig could end up getting her a real friend – and a real chance at love. This is on my review list!
Divine Disruption: Holding on to Faith When Life Breaks Your Heart (Hardcover) – Pastor Tony Evans and his family have endured several tragedies in recent years. In this book, Pastor Evans and his adult children, including writers/preachers Priscilla Shirer and Chrystal Evans Hurst (She’s Still There – ♥♥♥♥♥, share how their faith has withstood the tragedies.
Will (Hardcover) – A memoir.

 

 

REVIEW: Mad About Meatloaf by Maureen Fergus

REVIEW: Mad About Meatloaf by Maureen Fergus

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Tundra Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Summary

Weenie is a meatloaf-loving weiner dog. His best friends are a grumpy, sarcastic cat named Frank and a wise, encouraging guinea pig named Beans. They all live with a guy named Bob who takes care of them. When Weenie eats Bob’s meatloaf right off the counter, Bob’s pretty mad. So Weenie tries to think of a way to make things right with Bob.

Review

This is a darling graphic novel for new chapter book readers. Weenie is a big goof, and Frank and Beans are (mostly) faithful friends. Sure, Frank isn’t always the best influence. (It cracked me up to see Frank as the devil on Weenie’s shoulder while Beans was the angel.) But when Weenie needs him, Frank is there along with Beans.

Kids are going to get a kick out of these three friends and the troubles they find all because Weenie loves meatloaf, maybe a little too much.  Don’t miss this graphic novel series launch perfect for animal fans, dog fans, and fans of funny books and graphic novels.

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½ = Good+

REVIEW: The Journey Toward Wholeness by Suzanne Stabile

REVIEW: The Journey Toward Wholeness by Suzanne Stabile

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and IVP in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary and Review

The focus in this one is on the centers (Head, Heart, Gut), stress and security moves, and stances. This is a great intermediate level resource for those who have been digging into the Enneagram for a bit. I think beginners could start here, but I wouldn’t recommend it. I think The Road Back to You is a better introduction. Then, once you know your number, or think you have narrowed it down a bit, this could be a helpful second (or third or fourth) resource.

I appreciated the personal stories – Suzanne’s and others’. I’ve followed Suzanne Stabile  long enough to know something about many of her family members. I always enjoy a new story or illustration starring one of her kids or grandkids. The narratives balance out the instructional pieces nicely.

The general information about the centers and stances wasn’t new to me. But her *descriptions* of them are super helpful. And her recommendations for each type feel spot on. As I have said before, when I get to read material written by someone with my same number, I find it especially fruitful. And Suzanne and I share a number, so I got a lot out of this one. I am eager to receive my print copy when this releases so I can dig into it once again.

You can read my reviews of other Enneagram resources here. If you want to see what it is like to read an Enneagram book from someone with your number, check out the 40 Days as a ______ line from Suzanne. Each is written by a person who operates from that number.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

BOOK NEWS: November 2, 2021

BOOK NEWS: November 2, 2021

Posted on by Jaymie

Happy November! With the holidays right around the corner, now is a great time to start thinking about books your friends and family will love. Remember, supply chain issues are a thing right now. This might mean that a book’s release date gets moved around; it can also mean that shipping will take longer. Stay aware. If I can note a delay on something I thought was releasing during a certain week in November, I will.

I’ll be releasing my 2021 Holiday Hint List sooner than usual this year to give you some ideas and a few extra weeks to get your orders shipped. Stay tuned! (You can go here to see some of the previous Holiday Hint Lists.)

Books for Kids

Aaron Slater Illustrator – An artist discovers his struggles with reading are due to dyslexia. But he wonders if he can still be the storyteller he longs to be. Yes, please! I can’t wait to read about the newest member of the Questioneers!
Life Is Better with Friends – This picture book focuses on key moments in the series.
Our Table – As a family grows apart, their gathering space – a table – grows smaller. I don’t know that you can EVER go wrong with a Peter H. Reynolds book! I can’t wait to see this one in person.
Parker Shines On – A sequel to Parker Looks Up. This time Parker learns to be a good friend in her dance class. This looks lovely. I adored the first book, so this one is on my list, too.
Redlocks and the Three Bears – Instead of Goldilocks, the Three Bears meet Little Red Riding Hood – and the Wolf is not far behind. Fractured and mixed up fairy tales are one of my all time favorite things, so this is a must-read for me this week.
The Smart Cookie – A cookie doesn’t feel so smart compared to some of the other confections at the bakery.
What If You Had Animal Scales? – The latest in this fun line of books about animal facts.
The Bad Guys in They’re Bee-hind You! – Book 14 in the Bad Guys series of early chapter books.
Dragon Masters: Howl of the Wind Dragon – Book 20 in the Dragon Masters series.
I Survived True Stories: Courageous Creatures – A new collection of true survival stories. These books are fantastic!

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

D&D Dungeon Academy: No Humans Allowed – First in a new middle grade series based on Dungeons and Dragons. A human girl, disguised as a minotaur so she can go to Dungeon Academy without scaring the other creatures there, heads off on a quest to find out more about a human adventurer named Allidora Steelstrike. This sounds SO FUN!
Eddie Whatever (Older Middle Grade) – Eddie gets stuck volunteering at a retirement home for his bar mitzvah service project. The residents may call him “Eddie Whatever,” but he discovers there is more to like – and secrets to uncover – there than he expected.  This sounds fun!
Tangled Up in Luck – Enemies become friends as two girls search for a town’s missing treasure. This looks awesome. I have this on my review list.
Blame It on the Mistletoe – A social media darling and a girl wanting to flee a holiday embarrassment switch homes for the holidays. Love the premise of this one, so I’ll have to check this out.
Gilded – A Rumpelstiltskin retelling from the author of The Lunar Chronicles.
Skin of the Sea – First in a new series. A mermaid saves a boy tossed into the sea instead of collecting his soul like she’s supposed to, bringing the wrath of the gods upon her.
Wild Tongues Can’t Be Tamed – A collection of Latinx short stories.

Books for Adults

All Her Little Secrets (Hardcover) – A lawyer with secrets is promoted after her boss – and lover – is murdered. But she can’t shake the feeling that something with her promotion or at the company is off. This sounds twisty!
The Donut Trap (Trade Paperback – Now releasing November 9th) – Without a job or a relationship keeping her away, Jasmine finds herself working at her parents’ donut shop and feeling trapped. But the relationship that could change everything for her isn’t falling into place like she expected. This looks fun. It’s on my review list.
The Fastest Way to Fall (Trade Paperback) – She’s supposed to be writing a feature about a new fitness app that includes a coaching component. He’s the CEO who isn’t supposed to be coaching, but it’s the only way he’s found to feel happy. But when their coaching relationships teeters on becoming something more, they both realize they could lose everything if they let themselves fall in love.
Game On (Hardcover) – Book 28 in the Stephanie Plum series. In Stephanie’s hunt for a ruthless hacker, she finds herself working with Diesel again, but she can’t be sure if he’s her partner or her competition.
How to Marry Keanu Reeves in 90 Days (Trade Paperback) – Rumors abound that Keanu Reeves is about to get married, so Lu and her best friend Truman hit the road so Lu can find Keanu and convince him she’s the one he should marry. Yep, I will have to read this one.
I Hate You More (Trade Paperback) – From the author of the DELIGHTFUL Forever Home series.  A former beauty contestant determined to help a lazy Golden Retriever make a good showing at the local dog show runs afoul of the veterinarian judge who thinks she is in over her head.
Killer Research (Hardcover) – Book 12 in the Library Lovers series from Jenn McKinlay. Curmudgeon librarian Ms. Cole is running for mayor. But a dead body in the trunk of her car might sink her campaign – and get her thrown in jail. Lindsey and Sully and the rest of the crew are determined to prove her innocence. I adore this series. This is a must-read book for me this week.
Lore Olympus (Graphic Novel) – A new take on the story of Persephone.
A Marvelous Light (Hardcover – LGBTQ+) – First in a new series. Robin has been named the liaison to a magical society he never new existed in secret around the British Isles. But between the prickly counterpart he has to work with in the society, and the fact that his predecessor went missing, Robin finds himself smack in the middle of mysteries and secrets people have died to keep hidden. I am intrigued by this one!
Miss Moriarty, I Presume (Trade Paperback) – Book 6 in the Lady Sherlock series. Moriarty seeks out Charlotte’s help when he fears tragedy has befallen his daughter.
Witches, Spiders, and Schemes (e-book, November 5) – Book 4 in the Destiny Falls series. Cracks are starting to show in the enchantments around Destiny Falls – and two dead bodies are found in the bay. Hayden and her friends will need to dig deep to solve the mystery and restore Destiny Falls. I loved book one, but I haven’t been able to carve out time to get caught up with the series. Hopefully that will happen soon.
The Journey Toward Wholeness (Hardcover) – The latest from the “godmother of the Enneagram,” Suzanne Stabile. I’ll be reviewing this one later this week.
Prayers from the Throne Room (Leather) – A prayer book and devotional based on The Passion Translation. Includes a year’s worth of prayers and meditations.
Wholehearted Faith (Hardcover) – Rachel Held Evans’ last book, a collection of essays, finished by Jeff Chu.

REVIEW: My 52 Lists Project by Moorea Seal

REVIEW: My 52 Lists Project by Moorea Seal

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Sasquatch Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary and Review

This is a guided journal for kids modeled after the author’s highly successful 52 Lists books for adults.

There wasn’t anything here that surprised me. The artwork is kid-friendly with a fun summer/beachy/breezy vibe. Most of the lists are blank for kids to fill in, but there are a few that provide the list and then readers can circle the answers that best fit them. It’s a fun change up. Some list examples include “Things you want to do this year,” funniest memories, and “Draw your feelings.”

If you have a kid in your life who likes to write or likes lists, I would pair this guided journal with Annie’s Life in Lists to make a great combo gift!

Rating: ♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥ = Good/solid/fine

REVIEW: Slashing Through the Snow by Jacqueline Frost

REVIEW: Slashing Through the Snow by Jacqueline Frost

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Holly barely has time to register that the nitpicky grouch of a reviewer might be in town to cause trouble before the woman ends up dead.

This is becoming an annual event – a murder around her parents’ Christmas tree farm, Reindeer Games. But this is NOT the sort of thing Holly wants to see become a tradition.

Even worse, her beloved Cookie is the prime suspect! Now, her elderly friend is at risk of jail time, customers are bailing on their reservations at the inn, and gossipy townspeople are acting like Cookie might actually have done it.

Holly knows after last time that she really should stay out of things. But her dear friend – and the family business – are at risk. She just needs to find some other suspects to get the heat off Cookie.

 

Review

I have loved this series from the start, and the latest mystery from Jacqueline Frost did not disappoint. There’s a nice balance between holiday events at the tree farm and the events of the mystery. There’s not a ton of the games and events here like in the first two books. But those of us who have been charmed by the setting of this will still have some events to enjoy.

The mystery was fun and fresh – and with a nice dose of peril as with the first two books. The solution was unexpected, and I enjoyed just watching it unfold. While the mysteries in this series are always well done, it’s the characters and the setting that bring me back. (And unlike another series I used to love, the author doesn’t forget about crafting a terrific mystery while writing lovely interactions for the characters.) I wasn’t sure we were going to get a third book when there was such a long gap after book two, so there was a bonus treat to getting to read this. I’m happy the series has picked up again – as are several friends who claimed their fan status when I posted that I was reading this.

I think the mysteries for these stand well on their own, so readers don’t have to read these in order. But I think newcomers will discover that they want to know more about the characters and the farm. So be sure to go back and pick up the first two books.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

BOOK NEWS: October 26, 2021

BOOK NEWS: October 26, 2021

Posted on by Jaymie

It’s the last week of October. In some ways it has just zoomed by. I’m ready to start thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas, though, so that’s all right with me. Here are some of the new books releasing this week that have caught my eye. [Due to supply chain issues, release dates are subject to change. It’s happening so much right now, I don’t have time to reset all the books to their new dates. I’ll note the change when I see them. The bottom line is, order your holiday books early!]

Books for Kids

Return of the Underwear Dragon – Sir Cole teaches his former foe to read.
Slothy Claus (Now releasing 11/2) – What will the children of the world do when Slothy Claus doesn’t deliver their presents on time?
The Hunger Heroes: Missed Meal Mayhem (Graphic Novel – now releasing 11/9) – I have been waiting SO LONG to tell you about this DELIGHTFUL book – and now we have to wait even longer. You do not want to miss this superhero story where hungry kids are saved by some unusual heroes. Go ahead and just pre-order it now for your early chapter book reader – you can thank me later. My full review will post in November.

Books for Older Kids/Teens/Young Adults

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Big Shot – Book 16 in the ever-popular series. Greg decides to give sports one last try and tries out for the basketball team.
The Powers: Haven’s Secret – First in a new series by the star of Supergirl on the CW, Melissa Benoist, and her sister, Jessica Benoist. Twins with super powers are whisked away to a sanctuary where one feels at home and the other can’t wait to get away.
Cold War Correspondent (Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales – graphic novel, nonfiction) – Book 11 in this fantastic nonfiction graphic novel series. This one focuses on Marguerite Higgins and the Korean War.
Little People Big Dreams Treasury (Nonfiction – now releasing 11/9) – Collection of 50 biographies.
Who Were the Navajo Code Talkers?
We Light Up the Sky – Three teens struggle to be heard when an alien comes to Earth and takes the form of one girl’s dead cousin and then proceeds to cause trouble.

 

Books for Adults – Fiction

All the Feels (Trade Paperback) – The latest from Olivia Dade. A therapist hired to keep a TV star in line finds herself falling for him. This is on my review list.
As the Wicked Watch (Hardcover) – First in a new series. An up-and-coming reporter moves to Chicago and finds herself in the middle of a series of murders of Black women. The cases in this one feel dark for me, personally, but I am completely in love with the description of the main character here. Thriller fans should be sure to check this one out.
The Christmas Bookshop (Hardcover) – A woman without a job or many options moves in with her sister and family and takes on a job trying to revitalize a charming, but disorganized, bookshop. I’m intrigued by the family dynamics of this one.
The Christmas Dress (Trade Paperback) – A young woman trying to save her late father’s apartment building and an elderly woman reluctantly moving to a nursing home connect over a Christmas dress.
Death by Hot Apple Cider (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 9 in the Bookstore Café Mystery series. Krissy is investigating when a man who harassed not only her bookstore but also the local library and school over “scandalous books” is killed at a fall festival.
Deck the Donuts (Trade Paperback) – Book 6 in the Deputy Donuts Mystery series. When a tour bus crashes near Fallingbrook and a snowstorm strands the passengers, Emily discovers the body of the bus driver under her holiday ice carving. This has always sounded like such a fun series!
Donut Fall in Love (Trade Paperback) – A grieving actor and a baker have a meet-cute over specialty donuts. So when he signs up for a celebrity baking show, he knows just who to call in for help. This sounds darling.
Duke Actually  (Trade Paperback) – A new story set in the world of A Princess for Christmas. A notorious rake and a no-nonsense New Yorker hit it off when they meet to prepare for the wedding of their best friends. I adored the first book in this series, so I am eager to read this one. This is on my review list.
Enemy You Gnocchi (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 3 in the Italian Chef Mystery series. Tessa is sleuthing when a new grinch in town is murdered and a friend is the prime suspect.
Gated Prey (Trade Paperback) – Book 3 in the Eve Ronin series. When a sting operation turns deadly, Eve starts to wonder if they truly “solved the case” or if there is more going on than anyone realizes. Thriller fans should check this one out.
Getaway with Murder (Mass Market Paperback) – First in the new Mountain Lodge Mystery series from the author of the Paw Enforcement series as well as several others. Misty’s relaunch of both her life and an old mountain lodge is in danger when there’s a murder at the first event of her new business. I love trying out new mystery series! I have this one on my list.
Grave Reservations (Hardcover) – A sometimes-psychic travel agent teams up on a cold case with the detective she saved from death with an impulsive flight reservation change. This is on my review list!
Hollywood Heroine (Trade Paperback) – Book 5 in the fun and quirky Heroine Complex series. Aveda and Evie’s superhero adventures are about to hit the small screen. But evil is lurking around LA, and the two heroes are about to have their hands full.
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 3 in the Catering Hall Mystery series. In the midst of a full slate of holiday events, Mia’s going to have to find time to solve a murder.
Murder at the Mistletoe Ball (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 6 in the Ferrera Family Mystery series. Alberta’s estranged daughter comes to town for help looking for her missing son who ends up the prime suspect in a murder.
Sleigh Bells Ring (Trade Paperback) – Annie has to settle for being the caretaker for her family’s former ranch, but her job is in jeopardy, first because she takes in her orphaned niece and nephew without permission and second when the new owners plan to sell the ranch.
Star Trek Coda: Ashes of Tomorrow (Trade Paperback) – Book 2 in this new Star Trek trilogy that unites Picard, Sisko, Dax, and Riker along with their crews. I have this whole series on my Christmas list. Book 3 will release in November. making this a perfect holiday choice.
Strangers on a Skein (Hardcover) – Book 4 in the Black Sheep and Co mystery series. Phoebe and the Black Sheep are on the case when murder strikes the Farmers’ and Crafts Market.
A Thorn in the Saddle (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 3 in the terrific Cowboys of California series. The fairy-tale foundation for this book is Beauty and the Beast, which is a favorite of mine. While Jesse’s behavior can be beastly at times, perhaps a beauty can help him smooth out his rough edges. I’ll be reviewing this one soon.
To the Tome of Murder (Mass Market Paperback) – Book 7 in the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series. As Thanksgiving approaches, Addie has her hands full with a murder.

 

Books for Adults – Nonfiction

Best Wishes, Warm Regards (Hardcover) – A coffee-table book about the series Schitt’s Creek.
I’ll Be Home for Christmas Movies: The Deck the Hallmark Podcast’s Guide to Your Holiday TV Obsession (Hardcover) – Includes reviews of Hallmark Christmas movies, interviews with the stars, and ideas for your own Christmas celebrations. Yes, please!
Renegades (Hardcover) – President Obama and Bruce Springsteen share their friendship and their thoughts on life and music and America.
60-Day Enneagram Devotional: The Achiever (3) AND The Challenger (8) AND The Thinker (5) – The latest entries in this series of Enneagram devotionals.